Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Hey Bubba,

I've been thinking about you alot lately. Remembering the funny things you always said and did. It still doesn't seem real that you are gone. I guess since I only got to see you ever so often, I just keep thinking it has just been a while since I have talked to you. I know you are keeping the angels laughing and smiling.

Merry Christmas to Linda, Paul, Taylor (good gracious, you would be SO proud of her), Shelly and all your nieces and nephews! You are all always in my prayers!

I love you, David, and miss you terribly! Can't wait to see you again someday!

Love,
Kel-Bel

Kelly Day Anders

December 22, 2005

Hey DP. I like to come here and read all the reflections. You are truely missed by all that knew you. You were in my opinion an earth angle. You were here to make our days bright and our nights " fun" "some know what I am talking about.." I would like to say that when you told us in communications of your plan with Paula there was alot of doubt from some,because of the different backgrounds. But, David & Paula I can assure you that you were meant to be. Your love for each other is something that can withstand anything.( even death) Paula, You know how much he loves you, even now."And beleive me we all seen how happy you made him. I am sure he made you just as happy. I do miss him. I don't work at the agency anymore and haven't since before the accident. But I miss you dearly. When your in law enforcement you have a special bond for all that work with you. And even though you are not there anymore they become part of your
" family" and always will be. He was exactly what everyone says. His laugh is what I miss the most. You could have had the worst day and when you heard that laugh,all bad turned to good! Thank you god for letting me and other have the privilage to have known one of your own. Because to me, that is what David was An Angle! Paula keep your head up! always remember that he is never far away. HE is always there with YOU and TAYLOR. May god be with his parents and siblings I know how hard is must be for you.
I love and Miss ya, Brotha....

April " Bostick" Martin

December 16, 2005

David I seen Paula the other day and we talked for awhile about alot of things and just catching up it was realy nice to talk to her,DP she misses you alot like you don't already know that,but she truely does and loves you very much. Its the holiday time again and another year that you are not with your family and friends that miss you so much. All I would like to say is thank you so much for letting me have the opportunity to know you and your family and letting me be your partner. Merry Xmas to Ms.Taylor your Mom and Dad,Sister Shelly. Love and Miss ya very much keep dancing to Mr. Barry White. Your friend always. D

D.M. Carr
FCSO

December 13, 2005

Brother Land,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle

December 2, 2005

Bubba,

I have held back these tears for a long time. I will do my best reflect in a paraphrase form but it is nowhere near adequate. I was home this weekend and had a chance to see Bruce Clere, Brian Wagner, and Tom Aiken. Bruce and I brought our families to Stone MTN Park. It reminded us of you so much. We were kids together at Main Street Elem (Of course the name has changed). I remember you protecting Kent Scully and Brian Horton from getting beat up. I remember you being the biggest kid in our grade and the terror you reigned on a kick ball. I remember our football days. Our days riding in your convertible with too many people in it . I remember us going to church together. You were the only guy other than my dad that I did not mind hugging (And you liked to hug). Big Teddy Bear! I have a million memories of you and ALL were good. Which is a true testament of your character. As we got older and started our families and careers, we lost touch but never our friendship. When I saw you again at our High School reunion it was like we never missed a beat; Still a quality man. I was in New Hampshire on Recruiting Duty when I heard of your accident and was unable to make your funeral. I am sorry. I prayed for your family as hard as I think I have prayed before. I know that you are above watching over them. I think you for all the memories that we shared and I promise to keep your family in my prayers. I thank god for helping me find this website and I will save it in my favorites. I miss you!


Eric Dixon

CAPTAIN ERIC DIXON
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

November 29, 2005

Well Thanksgiving is here and gone so fast. Taylor is so wonderful, and a little stinker...(she's looking for her presents) We were talking about you the other day, *smile* how much of you is in her. She has such a huge personality just like you. She is almost as tall as i am, up to my shoulders. It is hard to think of her as almost 9 she says. how time flies.
I let her feed her sister, and she will check the diaper- but very quickly she will let me change it..
She is into soccer and GT stuff for Grandaddy. (he's doing great) I cant get her out of the Adidas store.. Thank goodness shoes were on sale. She's into fashion, and boys and still making all A's. She told me she would like a cell phone in a few years. WOW - as if she doesn't use mine enough...
Morgan and her are too much- you wouldn't believe how close they have become. She's an angel just like Taylor. We miss you dearly and pray lots. Taylor told me the other day that Grandparents are very important because they spoil her. Then she says "oppps" but you can still get me some x-mass. !!!

Sometimes I would like to think I'm dreaming- but I'm not. Your gone.
I'm so very greatful for fun times and good memories that I can share with her. I told her about you taking the "Z" out and getting busted by Dad.

We miss you Dad

Mom and me

November 26, 2005

I was in class the other day and a classmate that sits in front of me had a remembrance shirt of Sergeant Land. I looked at the date and it was only a month before a very close friend of mine was killed while on partol, Officer Cole Martin, Chatsworth Police Department, 4-25-03. I thought "what a coincidence." I dont go to my friend's reflection site too often because sometimes it hurts too bad. But for some reason I felt that I should look at it and also look up Sergeant Land. I just want to let his family and friends know that my thoughts and prayers will be with them. It has been a little over 2 years for both of us and I know how hard it still can be. Like I try to tell Cole's friends and family and I try to do for myself, when you begin to think of Sergeant Land, try to smile instead of cry because I smile says so much more of him than a tear. God Bless you all and I will be thinking about all of his friends and family.

thoughts and prayers,
Heather Banks
Friend of Officer Cole Martin
Chatsworth Police Department
6-4-82 to 4-25-03

November 16, 2005

David, you would have been so proud of Paula last weekend. She looked so beautiful and stood so strong even though it had to have been very hard for her. She misses you so much.

Sherry

November 4, 2005

Son,I really need you here to help me
thur everthing. Love You
Mom

Mother/Linda B. Land

October 31, 2005

Bubba,

I come here from time to time to see what others have wrote or what memory they share and it makes me remember all the wonderful (hilarious) memories I have of you.

I think of you often and miss you like crazy. What I wouldn't give to see that smile and hear that voice of yours.

You would be so proud of Taylor. She is quite the little lady - with such a wonderful sense of humor.

I miss you. I can't wait to see you again someday.

I love you,
Kelly

October 31, 2005

David,

As this weekend approaches, I miss you more and more. It seems odd that you are not here to share in this happy occassion. Of course you are here in out hearts and our vivid memories. I hope that I will be strong and be a role model of what love is.

No matter what people say, write, or try to do nobody can take away one's feelings or memories. I wish things could have worked out differently...but the outcome is a result of many people's actions. I have learned that some people will never be truly happy and that jealousy is a big EVIL. I truly understand everything you told me, I just could not believe that some could be so evil.

Funny story, I work with one of your dear (old) friend's wives. She was so cute when she said, we knew David was getting married (again) but we knew he was crazy in love because we could never find him and the way he spoke of you. It was so nice to see him happy....For those comments, I am thankful because they are not forced nor made-up!

I love you and miss you,
Paula

Paula Land
wife

October 27, 2005

Bubba, I was just on a call last night transporting someone and had and officer go with me. Come to find out that he worked with you out at the mountain. We talked and talked about you, I had to know of him back then because we were around you at the some times. Small world, just shows that something everyday reminds me to think about you. I hope that your family is doing great, I know you are helping them stay strong through this, it still seems just like yesterday it happened, maybe that feelin will go away soemtime but it is still just so hard to deal with at times. You watch over little Matt-Matt for me!! I know you will!

I love you!
Faith

October 24, 2005

David,
I just wanted to let you know that you are still in my heart. I am so grateful that you were such a wonderful friend to Mike. I found a poem and it seems to reflect what we lost when you left us and it gives us hope that one day we will see you again. Watch over everyone as usual and know that you and your family are not forgotten and are still in our prayers.

The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that GOD would call your name
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone
For part of us went with you, the day GOD called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side
Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same
But as GOD calls us one by one, the Chain will link again.

Mary H.

Mary Honiker
Friend

October 20, 2005

David,

So many of us still think of you daily and continually pray for your wife and daughter and family left behind. I realize that your death is all part of God's plan, but sometimes it's so hard to even begin to understand much less accept. I miss you terribly and I found a poem that I believe reflects you and what is going on up there with you. Watch over us all. I love you tons.

"Letter from Heaven"

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

~Author~
Ruth Ann Mahaffey

©Copyright 1998

Angela

October 13, 2005

David
I don't come here but maybe once a yr...as it hurts to relive the pain of the accident so i will mention only the wonderful child you blessed our family with, Miss Taylor.
I have your and Taylors pic on my refrigirator and sometimes when i look at it takes me back....as it is still very hard to think of you not being here. I can still hear your big loud laughting happy voice.....as you come through the front door to pick Taylor up.
You would be so very proud and pleased to see your beautiful 8 1/2 yr old daughter. So confident and happy and lots of friends. She is excelling in school as you always wanted her to. She is college material all right. I remember how important ed. was to you for her. That will happen you can count on it...we all will see to it for you. Says she wants to be a Chropractor right now but says she wants a to also have a Cookie Store next door. :) She is so funny! She reads with such expression i wouldn't be suprised if she becomes a Teacher. Although with her hand writing maybe a Dr. she will be.
I hope all who have know her will follow her life and see what God leads her to become in this world as she is a very presious and special young lady. All who meet her mention this without us saying a word. She has a special destiny and i anxiously await that day when it is revealed.
Taylor is having a wonderful time being a Big Sister to 3 mth. old Ashlynn. How loving and gental she is and can carry her around and even asks to change diapers. Not the stinky ones though.:)
One could not ask for a better adjusted child and she loves you David and we talk of you a lot and she is always saying "Granny tell me something about my Dad i don't know" and i think back and try to tell her something i remember you doing or saying when she was a little tottler. We laught a lot and she smiles when she thinks of you. It is always an uplifting conversation and she leaves smiling having talked of you.
We have pics and even movies of you David and will have a movie night when she wants and let her watch them and see you in action and hear your voice again. I am so thankful i took so many.
Just to let everybody know that Taylor is dealing with this situation with such grace, love and forgiveness. She holds no bitterness for the lady who caused the accident.She is wise beyond her yrs . She is so busy being a 3rd grader, having her neighborhood friends over to play, running and playing games outside and now going to a new elem. school.
Just pray for her to know God's will for her special life and that is really all she needs at this point. Her Mother Lauren and new Step Dad, Ryan and new baby sister are blending well and I am sure you would greatly approve of him as he is a Atlanta Police Recruit and top in his class. Aspiring to go on to the FBI in a few yrs. So you have a "brother " to take care of your precious child....."God does work in mysterious ways...His will to preform".

always you will be in our hearts and we all will make sure Talor has the best life and you will always be honored as Her Father.
How good it is to know you accepted The Lord as a Teen....what peace it gives all your family esp. Talor...and she knows that you are with God now! Taylor knows one day she will see you again in Heaven and that one TRUTH has made all the difference to her. HOPE. Hope to see you, be with you and hugg you again....and forever.
Till we all see you again
love you and miss you
Ms. "G"

Rebecca Gillespie
former Mother In Law

October 4, 2005

David,

I just came back from the spouses retreat. It is always so helpful to see others who have walked this path and survived. Oddly enough, I was asked to lead a support group for new survivors. As I saw the pain in the new widows eyes, I recalled my own pain. Only now instead of crying all the time I have come to smile when I think of you. You were such a gift and I treasure our love every day. I am doing okay and am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There was a time I could not envision a happy life with you not here. Finally, I am coming out of that and starting to really live again. I live not for just me but for you and all the things you and I spoke of doing as we grew old. I love you with all of my heart and soul.

To the people who are kind of enough to remember and recognize me, thank you for your support and your rememberance of David and Paula!

Paula
wife

September 27, 2005

David it's been awhile since your death, yet you are still talked about everyday as if you were here. You were the only person I met who didn't have a single enemy. You were a true mentor to everyone. So many people miss you.

So many people have forgotten along with leaving behind your wonderful little girl "Taylor" you also left behind a newly wed WIFE "Paula" who loved you so much. For two people having so different backgroundS you showed everyone what TRUE love was and still is.

As I surf the web and this site I found a poem, I believe iS something you would have written to Paula yourself. (Working beside Paula I know you always wrote her long love letters, and everytime I see a dozen roses I always think of the roses you gave Paula almost every week for her CID desk)

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
(Unknown who wrote it, but it's something I could see David writing)

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes are filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too,
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always though I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had,
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I’d miss tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, “This is eternity and all I’ve promised you,
Today for life on Earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
And since each day’s the same day, there’s no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won’t you take my hand and share my life with me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

Deputy Taryn Johnson
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office

September 13, 2005

Bubba:

I miss you and think of you often. You were the best backup in the world! I remember you probably saved both of us on a traffic stop one afternoon by seeing the gun under the passenger. That ear-to-ear grin and that crushing handshake are missed. My friend, you touched the lives and hearts of many people like only YOU could.

DD

September 2, 2005

Bubba, I miss you soo much, still, I wish I could just talk to you, I know you are making sure Matt-Matt is ok and taking care of him. You keep him close to you! I miss him very much but I know you are doing a good job and I don't have to worry. I love you and miss you!! I wish I could have one of those big hugs, I always felt better after one of those! I am going to try to track down you mom and dad to talk to them one day, I think id I got a chance to talk to them I would feel closer to you. I hope Taylor is doing well in school tis year so far. Please look over everyone and keep everyone safe
Love you
faith

Faith

August 23, 2005

David,

It is hard to believe that it has been almost two and a half years since your accident. There are times that it seems to pass more easily and times that it feels like I am in quick sand. I miss you and Taylor dearly. I know you are able to watch all the things that take place here. I hope that you will always look down and protect all those that you love. Just the other day I found my self calling out your name. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you or the life we had together. I don't get on here much as you know...sometimes it just does not seem healthy for me to heal. I have and continue to go through what seems unbearable most of the time. You would be proud of the accomplishments and how I continue to fight for you! My only prayer is that you are never fogotten and that all of this will make sense one day to Taylor and I.

I love you....forever

Paula Land
wife

August 9, 2005

Well - as the year has gone by Taylor has missed,loved, cried, laughed, hugged her animals, talked about how funny you were and how much you mean to her... Just the other day we were sitting in her bathroom floor crying a little and talking about you. We miss you and Taylor just wants to hear your voice and hug you ONE MORE TIME !!! so she knows that you know she loves you. I told her you know very well of her feelings and emotions and you are right beside her everystep of the way !! I have had mixed feelings now that Ryan's going to A.P.D. he is very excited but I'm a little bit scared. Taylor is very happy for him but she says she doesn't want anything to happen.
Her first day of school is on Monday. She is very excited, and I cant believe she's in 3rd grade already !!!!! wow !! she is so grown up but also such a child, she is very happy to have her sister and cousins, she can't wait to see them, she has a teacher this year that she wanted. Ryan has taken her to en-roll at school today... it's bitter/sweet for me. I miss ya .. I miss not being able to call and tell you the funny things she says, but now instead of funny things, it is something that an adult would say or her on my cell phone in the car wash, talking to Don. She tells me that he is one of her Dads..
We are having a great time this summer- keeping very busy !!!!
Keep on protecting ~

Lauren & Taylor

August 4, 2005

I KNOW YOUR WATCHING HER FROM UP ABOVE. THANK YOU ~ I GET THE MESSAGE. LOVE YOU- MISS YOU -

US

July 27, 2005

I KNOW YOUR WATCHING HER FROM UP ABOVE. THANK YOU ~ I GET THE MESSAGE. LOVE YOU- MISS YOU -

US

July 27, 2005

We miss you lots, It's hard to imagine life going on without you here !!! Taylor is a big sister and a new cousin all in the same day !! You would be so proud of her !!! There are children everywhere now !!!! I wish you could have enjoyed seeing Taylor being so excited about becoming a sister, and to see her hold the little baby in her arms... I find myself thinking of how you were so in love with her when she was born. Ryan asked the other day if "you had cried when Doodle was born" .. I told him yes,.. Then he said- well good- b/c I know I will. He told me the other day - our first day home with all four of us, "Now I see how you love a child so much ". He is even more protective of Taylor now. He agree's with you about boyfriends.... THERE WILL BE NONE !!
hahahha!! love you and miss you dearly..

Lauren Summerlin

June 20, 2005

Dear David,

I find myself still thinking you’re around, and that I need to call you. And then I remind myself that you’re not here anymore. It always kinda stops me in my tracks when this happens. I still miss you so much. I guess I always will. While I know that life goes on, it’s amazing how much you are with me.

My little girls will be born tonight. I wish so much that you were here to meet them in person. Truthfully and selfishly, what I really wish is that I could see your face when you met them. Your excitement always brought me so much joy. Now, I have to imagine what your expression would be like in these special moments. I do imagine…..your face lit-up, beaming - it always warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.

I love you.
Shelly

Shelly
Loving Sister

June 16, 2005